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Updated one day early yk why?
Avantika's POV
It was late at night, and I was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to sleep. But my mind wouldn't stop spiraling.
This Chitra... what if Avyansh liked her too?
The thought sent a pang through my chest. I turned onto my side, gripping the blanket tighter. This was a forced marriage after all...
But then I remembered his words. He had said he wanted to give this relationship a chance, right? But what if... what if he comes back and realizes he still has feelings for Chitra?
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the thoughts to go away, but they wouldn't.
A sudden knock on the door startled me, pulling me out of my racing thoughts. I glanced at the clock. It was already past midnight-everyone must be asleep by now.
I sat up slowly, my heart beating a little faster. Who could it be at this hour?
Wrapping the blanket around myself, I got out of bed and walked hesitantly toward the door.
"Bhabhi," Tara said, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she let out a small yawn.
"Kya hua, Tara?" I asked, concerned by her late-night visit.
"Devika di is not in our room," she said, her voice tinged with worry. "I just woke up to drink water and saw she isn't there. Her phone is not here either."
"Huh?" I blinked, the weight of her words sinking in. "Did you check downstairs? Maybe woh niche gayi ho?" I suggested, trying to stay calm.
"Main abhi ek round niche se hi lekar aayi hoon. Nahi hai," Tara replied, shaking her head.
"Wait," I said, stepping toward the cupboard. I pulled out a shawl and wrapped it around myself, my T-shirt and trousers feeling too light for the cool night air.
"Let's check again," I said firmly, my heart pounding slightly as I walked toward the door with Tara trailing behind me.
The lights in the angan were on, casting a soft glow that made it easier to see as Tara and I reached downstairs.
I glanced around, checking the kitchen and even the washroom, but Devika wasn't there.
Tara yawned again, her concern evident despite her sleepiness. "Itni raat ko Didi kaha gayi hogi?" she asked.
"Pata nahi," I replied, thinking quickly. "Aap ek kaam karo, aap jaake so jao. Woh mujhe milegi, then I'll send her to your room."
"But Bhabhi, how can I leave you alone?" Tara protested, looking worried.
"Aap room mein jao," I muttered firmly, turning slightly as I heard footsteps behind me.
"Aap log yaha kya kar rahe ho?" a familiar voice asked. I turned around to find Argya standing there, holding a water bottle.
"Tara, tum room mein jao," I said again, giving her a small nod.
She hesitated but eventually nodded and left, leaving me alone with Argya.
"Kya hua, Bhabhi? Kuch chahiye tha?" he asked, his tone curious but polite.
I shook my head quickly, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Nahi... bas neend nahi aa rahi thi. So, I thought I should walk a little," I said, brushing off his question.
He tilted his head slightly, studying me for a moment before saying, "Kya baat hai? Aaj kisi ko neend hi nahi aa rahi. Thodi der pehle Devika bhi walk karne gayi thi."
My heart skipped a beat at his words. "Devika?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Haan," he said, nodding. "Wahi keh rahi thi ki fresh air chahiye."
"Hmm," I muttered, my mind racing. Where could she have gone?
As I stood there processing what Argya had said, the sound of the main door creaking open caught my attention. Both of us turned to see Devika entering from outside, her expression unreadable.
She was wearing her shawl tightly wrapped around her shoulders, and her hair looked slightly disheveled from the cool night breeze. Her steps were hesitant as if she hadn't expected anyone to be awake.
"Devika?" I called out, my voice firmer than I intended.
She froze momentarily, her eyes darting between me and Argya. "Haan, Bhabhi?" she said softly, trying to sound casual.
"Kaha thi tum?" I asked, taking a step closer. "Itni raat ko bahar kyun gayi thi?"
Devika avoided my gaze, fidgeting slightly with the edge of her shawl. "Woh... bas fresh air lene gayi thi. Room mein suffocating lag raha tha," she said, her voice low.
"Let's go upstairs. Argya, aap bhi jaiye so jaye. Raat bohot ho gayi hai," I said firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument.
Argya gave a small nod, still looking slightly curious, but he didn't push further. He turned and walked toward his room, leaving me and Devika alone.
I reached out and grabbed Devika's hand gently, guiding her as we walked upstairs together. Her fingers felt cold, and she didn't say a word the entire way.
Once inside my room, I shut the door behind us and turned to face her. "Kaha gayi thi aap, Devika, itni raat mein?" I asked, my voice calm but laced with concern.
"Bhabhi... wo..." she began, but her voice broke as she sniffled, tears spilling from her eyes.
Avyansh's POV
I yawned, stretching slightly as I sat in the unusually quiet house. It was just 10 p.m., but I already felt exhausted.
It wasn't as if I had never stayed back from family functions before. Ignoring or denying invitations and enjoying the solitude had never been an issue for me. But tonight, it felt different.
She wasn't here.
The silence of the house, which I usually welcomed, felt heavier somehow, as though something vital was missing.
"Avyansh baba, should I heat the food?" the maid asked, breaking my train of thought.
"Haan," I replied, nodding absentmindedly. "Just heat it and then sone chali jaiye. Hum khud nikal lenge."
She nodded and left, and I sighed, standing up. Deciding to call it a night, I walked upstairs, the weight of the day pressing down on me in more ways than one.
Time Skip
I stood in my office, sipping my coffee as I stared at the pin-up board in front of me. The notes, the pictures, the fragments of her life-all of it was there, pieced together like a puzzle.
I knew now. I knew everything about her.
The weight of it pressed on me, a mix of emotions swirling inside. I couldn't even begin to imagine how much she had endured, how many battles she had fought silently.
But despite it all, one thing was clear: I want her.
I want her to tell me more-not through anyone else, not through secondhand stories or fragmented details. I want her to trust me enough to share the parts I haven't uncovered yet. The pieces of her story she's kept locked away.
Just because I want her to tell me.
I sipped my coffee, my resolve hardening. "Soon," I murmured to myself, my voice steady with determination. "Everything will come back to you. Your happiness. Your real smile. Everything."
And I would make sure of it.
Avantika's POV
The next day was the Nandi Shartham after Palligai.
These rituals-they were beautiful, but the names? Oh, they were far too hard to remember. Each one sounded more intricate than the last, and I had already lost track of how many we'd attended so far.
I stood quietly, observing as everyone bustled about, preparing for the day's events. The women were dressed in vibrant sarees, their bangles jingling softly as they worked. The air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums in the distance.
I tried repeating the names in my head. Nandi... Shartham? Palligai? My brows furrowed as I struggled to get the pronunciation right.
"Bhabhi," Tara called, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Kya soch rahi ho? Aap ready ho gaye?"
"Haan, bas... yeh rituals ke naam yaad karne ki koshish kar rahi thi," I admitted with a small smile.
Tara giggled. "Don't worry, Bhabhi. Hum bhi nahi yaad karte. Bas follow karte jaate hain."
I nodded, laughing softly with her. At least I wasn't the only one finding it hard to keep up with the names.
I was now sitting beside Shashwat, quietly observing the ongoing rituals, when a few women approached us.
"So, she is the wife of our Avy. Hnn... niceu," one of the women said, her eyes scanning me from head to toe.
But before I could respond, another woman chimed in, her gaze critical as she reached out to touch my chin. "Aana Chitra ivala vida nallavala irukka, Arpana." (But Chitra is better than her, Arpana.)
I stiffened slightly, not understanding the exact words but catching the name "Chitra." My mind raced.
Before I could react, Shashwat, who had been quiet until now, spoke up firmly. "Naan appadi nenaikkala, aunty." (I don't think so, Aunty.)
The women gave him a surprised look but didn't press further, murmuring amongst themselves before walking away.
I glanced at Shashwat, confused and slightly irritated. "What are they talking about?" I whispered.
He gave me a reassuring smile. "Nothing important, Bhabhi. Just ignore them."
But I couldn't help the uneasy feeling settling in my chest. Whatever they were saying, it didn't sound pleasant.
Sruti appeared in front of me, her bright smile lighting up her face. I couldn't help but notice Shashwat stiffen beside me the moment she approached.
I tried to suppress my smile, sensing the awkwardness in the air.
"Hii, Anni ," she said sweetly, the word rolling off her tongue in Tamil as she looked at me.
"Hello, Anna," she added, turning her attention to Shashwat. "Come na, dance!"
Shashwat's eyes widened, his expression a mix of surprise and mild panic. "I am not your Anna! Call me Shashwat, Sruti," he said quickly, his tone firm but flustered.
Sruti tilted her head slightly, her face scrunching up in mock confusion for a moment. Then she clapped her hands lightly, as if realizing her mistake.
"Oh, sorry, sorry!" she said , a playful grin spreading across her face as she glanced at him again.
I bit my lip to keep from laughing, enjoying the rare sight of Shashwat being thrown off guard. Sruti's energy was infectious, and it was clear she enjoyed teasing him.
"Bhabhi, Suniye," Ruhaan said, clearing his throat as Shashwat left.
"Haan?" I asked, standing up from my seat.
"Bhabhi, look at that girl in the yellow outfit," he said, gesturing subtly.
"Wo?" I asked, pointing towards one of the girls in the crowd.
"No, no, not her," Ruhaan replied, shaking his head. "Jiske baal chhote chhote hain."
I looked around again, trying to find who he was talking about. "Wo?" I asked, pointing toward another girl.
"Nahi, Bhabhi," Ruhaan said, a bit impatiently. "Uske toh baal bade hain. Dekhiye na, woh jiski height chhoti hai."
"Achha, Manvi?" I guessed finally.
"Haan, wahi, wahi!" Ruhaan said with a grin, his face lighting up.
"Kya?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at Ruhaan.
"Bhabhi, please baato baato mein unke baare mein pata kijiye na," he said, his tone pleading.
My eyes widened in surprise. "Nahi," I said firmly, turning to walk away toward everyone else.
"Bhabhi, aisa na kijiye!" Ruhaan said, trailing after me.
"Nahi, Ruhaan ji, hum nahi karenge. Aap kisi aur se keh dijiye," I replied, quickening my pace.
"Please, Bhabhi na," he said again, almost desperate.
I stopped in my tracks and smirked at him. "Manvi!" I suddenly called out, making Ruhaan freeze.
Manvi, the bride Bhavani's best friend from Delhi, heard me and walked toward us with a curious expression.
"Haanji?" she said politely, stopping in front of me.
Ruhaan stood rooted in place, staring at her as if he'd forgotten how to breathe. Why does every devar of mine seem to find their interest in girls here only? I thought, stifling a laugh.
"Ruhaan," I said, trying to pull him out of his trance. He didn't respond.
"Ruhaan!" I repeated, louder this time.
"Ji-ji, Bhabhi?" he stammered, blinking rapidly as if waking from a dream.
"Aapko flowers ke arrangements ke baare mein jaana tha na? Manvi ko pata hai. Ask her," I said, giving him a pointed look.
Turning to Manvi, I added, "Manvi, please help him out."
Manvi nodded graciously, offering Ruhaan a kind smile. I watched as she began explaining something, while Ruhaan just nodded absentmindedly, clearly still overwhelmed.
Satisfied with my matchmaking attempt, I smirked to myself and walked away, leaving them to figure it out.
The streets were bustling with life, filled with vibrant music and the sound of drums as everyone sang and danced on the wide footpath. The atmosphere was festive, but Avantika felt slightly out of place amidst the lively chaos.
Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, spotting Avyansh's name flashing. With a soft sigh, she picked up.
"Hello?" she said, keeping her tone neutral.
"Where are you right now?" Avyansh's deep, composed voice resonated from the other end.
"In the forest," Avantika replied with exaggerated annoyance, rolling her eyes even though he couldn't see her.
"Avantika," he said, his tone firm, clearly not amused by her sarcasm.
Before she could add another quip, he continued, "There's too much noise in the background-music, vehicles. That's why I asked." His voice was calm, as if he was reasoning with a child.
"Ji, we're going to the temple," she replied, softening her tone slightly. "Apko kuch kaam tha?"
"No... nothing. Take care of yourself," he said after a brief pause.
Her gaze shifted to Chitra, who was walking ahead, her loud "Ansh, Ansh," chant from earlier replaying in Avantika's head like an annoying echo.
"Hello?" Avyansh's voice brought her back to reality. He seemed to be waiting for her reply.
She cleared her throat, her words laced with playful defiance. "Hum road ke beech mein chalke manage kar lete hain normally. But since you said 'take care,' I'll switch to the footpath."
Without waiting for his reaction, she added, "Bye," and ended the call with a satisfied smirk.
As the call disconnected, she looked ahead, watching Chitra laugh with others, but Avantika shook her head, determined not to let the clingy girl ruin her mood.
It was past 3 AM when a sudden knock disturbed Avantika's peaceful sleep.
She groaned, her mind heavy with exhaustion, and reluctantly dragged herself out of bed. In her sleepy haze, she completely forgot to grab her dupatta.
She was wearing a short white kurti with a slightly deep neckline and matching palazzo pants. The thin fabric of the kurti added to her disheveled appearance, but she didn't notice in her half-asleep state.
She opened the door, her eyes half-closed ""
Standing at the door was Avyansh, calm yet alert said." Good morning."
"Just let me sleep, thik hai? I'm already pissed. A dream, go away," she muttered, waving her hand dismissively, not realizing who she was speaking to. She moved to shut the door.
But Avyansh placed his hand against the door, stopping it mid-motion.
Avantika's eyes snapped open as reality hit her. She stared at him, wide-eyed, trying to process what was happening.
"No dream?" she asked, her voice unsure, still dazed.
Avyansh shook his head silently, his gaze steady. He removed his hand from the door, but not before his eyes flickered briefly from her face to her outfit.
Realizing her state, Avantika's cheeks flushed deep red. As soon as he stepped back, she slammed the door shut with a sharp thud and quickly locked it.
Her heart raced in embarrassment as she leaned against the door, her face burning. "Oh no," she whispered to herself, mortified at what had just happened.
Avantika's heart raced as she stood behind the closed door, her back pressed against it. The faint thudding of her heartbeat seemed to echo in the silence of the room.
She clutched the edge of her kurti, suddenly hyper-aware of her attire, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"Why didn't I check before opening the door?" she whispered to herself, covering her face with her hands.
Outside the door, Avyansh stood still for a moment, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He adjusted his cufflinks and cleared his throat, as if amused by her reaction. Shaking his head lightly, he turned and walked away, leaving her in her flustered state.
Inside, Avantika slid to the floor, her hands still on her burning cheeks. "What must he think now?" she mumbled, biting her lip. She glanced at the locked door and sighed deeply, the embarrassment refusing to leave her.
"Never opening a door in sleep again," she vowed under her breath, her mind replaying the scene over and over.
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